Columbia House Scam

Keep the original packing, mark it 'refused, return to sender', put a note within instructing, 'Please cancel my membership'. Case closed, no fuss, no

I've used them both and never been too disappointed. They can't be your only source, but if you are smart, you won't spend much either.

On the side of Columbia House, I have gotten some fabulous jazz cds which cost me less than $5 apiece- and we're talking great Verve and Blue Note material, like Oscar Peterson, and in the most recent remastering. There's simply no other place where you're going to get prices like that.

Agreed, and it helps to have broad interests in music. I would not recommend joining if you only listen to classical music unless you are just starting out (in which case it can be a very cheap way of acquiring some very good, readily available titles). I also would strongly advise against buying anything at their asking price; you can almost always get it considerably cheaper elsewhere. Wait for the deals and specials, and even then I would be selective. The exorbitant shipping and handling fees can make what seems like a good deal turn out to be just as expensive as buying through more conventional means. BMG periodically offers discounts coupled with no shipping and handling fees, and this is about the only time I order anything through them. When their stock gets low they will also offer liquidation prices on selected items which, even with shipping and handling, can mean picking up something for less than seven U.S. dollars.

Regards,

My reading was hasty. I still wouldn't call it a scam, but this does make me more sympathetic to the original poster's situation.

> > I joined 2 years ago, and picked out my selections. Out of those > selections, 3 were canceled and I was issued certificates in their > place. I have been unable to find a single desirable CD for the entire > two years. Their selection is abysmal and I don't mean limitless. > Don't count on any selections that you want. Good luck trying to > fulfill your membership agreement. Forget about speaking rationally to > these people. > > > Again, if you are thinking about joining, and are thoughtful enough to > do a search on the topic to see if the company is legitimate, then my > advice should be crystal clear. DO NOT JOIN.

Keep the original packing, mark it 'refused, return to sender', put a note within instructing, 'Please cancel my membership'. Case closed, no fuss, no bother.

Spot on advice. Register the return package too, for any remote possibility of legal follow ups. Don't be intimidated or bullied. I would avoid joining any clubs. Either the vendor has what I want, and at the right price, or they don't. I buy based on what I want, and when it is in stock. Period.

Regards,

# http://www.users.bigpond.com/hallraylily/index.html See You Tamara (Ozzy Osbourne)

Ray, Taree, NSW

I agree! Anything involving trickly math stay away from- it's too complicated!

As for myself, my last order consisted of the Artis Shaw Self-Portrait box, three Miles Davis discs and one Gene Krupa/Anita O'Day cd. Only the latter was on sale, and the entire bunch cost me under $70, which is under $7.75 apiece. The best used price for the Shaw box used on Amazon was $50, and new around $64.

The original poster was right- there's no other place to get new cds and box sets at these prices.

Being a member of either club means you have to be careful and flexible. If you are, there's excellent music to be had at very good prices.

I regret that your experience has left you so rabid, but it ain't the whole picture.